ENERGY EFFICIENCY

If you have a particularly old fridge freezer, investing in a newer model with modern features could improve energy efficiency by up to 25%. This means you’ll save money in long-term running costs, and have less of an impact on the environment.

High-end brands have developed models with InstaView technology, which allows you to see some of your fridge’s contents without opening the door and letting in warm air.

Here are a few things to bear in mind if you’re looking to buy a new, efficient fridge freezer.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING

The first, and perhaps most obvious way of understanding a fridge freezer’s efficiency, is to check the energy efficiency rating. The scale ranges from A+++ to G, with A+++ currently being the best.

These ratings are calculated by comparing the energy consumption with the size of the appliance, which gives an indication of efficiency.

New fridge freezers have to be at least A+ rated, as part of governmental measures to try and reduce emissions. If you’ve had your fridge freezer for a while, there could be a big difference between your current model’s efficiency and newer versions.

It’s worth noting that many other factors can affect your fridge freezer’s efficiency. In some cases, a model with a higher rating may cost more to run than a lower rated model. However, the energy efficiency rating is a great starting point for you to compare different models.

APPLIANCE SIZE

Bigger appliances typically cost more to run than smaller ones, as there’s more space to keep cool.

This means an A+++ rated large fridge freezer could cost more to run than a smaller, A+ rated model. It’s worth considering the size of fridge freezer you actually need, so you’ll get the most efficient use out of the available space.

It’s also more efficient to keep your fridge freezer full. The more food you store inside, the less air that needs to be cooled again whenever the door is opened. However, if you keep it too full, air struggles to circulate, and the appliance has to work harder to maintain the temperature. Finding a balance is important.

An A+++ rated large fridge freezer could cost more to run than a smaller, A+ rated model.

HOLIDAY MODE

Holiday mode is a great way for your fridge freezer to save energy when you’re out of the house for a long period of time.

This works by keeping your appliance in a low-powered state. As you won’t be there to open the door and let in warm air, less energy is required to keep a cool interior. Your fridge will generally be much emptier while you’re away too.

Holiday mode works by keeping your appliance in a low-powered state.

Different appliances run holiday modes at different temperatures, but often they are slightly warmer than when running normally.

The most economical thing to do when you’re away is to unplug your appliance completely. However, this is only viable if you’ve managed to clear it of all food before leaving.

AUTO DEFROST

Condensation can often build up at the back of a fridge – and sometimes this can turn to ice.

Having a build-up of ice can affect an appliance’s working state significantly. It can also impact on how well your food is preserved, which changes the taste, texture, nutrients, and even the food’s use-by date.

Auto Defrost reduces this risk by melting any ice that forms around the cooling element, ensuring your appliance runs at maximum efficiency.

This is a common feature on modern fridge freezers, but it’s worth double checking when shopping for a new one.

FROST FREE

Again, this ice can affect your appliance’s performance negatively. Ice can also take up room in the freezer, reducing the amount of food you can store.

In frost free freezers, a fan circulates dry air throughout the compartment – which prevents formation of ice crystals, without increasing the internal temperature.

ECO MODE

You may also find sustainable settings on your fridge freezer, which are designed to run it more economically.

When Eco Mode is activated, the fridge reaches an efficient chilling temperature automatically. This feature is great for saving on energy bills and reducing your environmental impact.

You may also find sustainable settings on your fridge freezer, which are designed to run it more economically.

TIPS AND ADVICE TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY

Buying an efficient fridge freezer is important, but you can also give it a helping hand. Here are a few things you can do to improve your appliance’s energy efficiency:

Keep it at optimum temperature – Don’t make the fridge freezer work harder than it has to by overchilling your contents. Around -18°C for the freezer and 4°C for the fridge is ideal to keep all your food fresh and perfectly preserved, without wasting energy.

Avoid putting warm food in the freezer – Just cooked a delicious meal to enjoy later in the week? Let it cool first, as putting warm (or hot) food in a fridge freezer will raise the internal temperature, making the appliance work harder.

Shut the door – A fairly obvious one, but it’s easy to forget to shut the fridge or freezer door, which allows warm air to enter. Helpfully, some models sound an alarm when the door’s been left open for too long.

Leave a gap – Leaving a few centimetres between the back of your appliance and the wall aids air circulation, helping it run more efficiently.

Maintain your appliance – If your new appliance doesn’t have the Auto Defrost and Frost Free features, you’ll need to monitor ice build-up and defrost your freezer regularly. You’ll also need to keep the door seals clean and in good condition, to prevent cold air escaping and warm air entering.

WORTH THE COST?

So you’ve invested in an economical fridge freezer, and optimised it to run as efficiently as possible. What can you expect to pay by running the appliance for a year?

These costs vary significantly, depending on your appliance’s features and energy efficiency rating. Buying a more expensive appliance could work out cheaper in the long run if it’s more efficient.

The most efficient new fridge freezers on the market cost around £25 to run annually, while the worst sit in the £90 region. That’s a potential saving of £65 every year.

Buying a more expensive appliance could work out cheaper in the long run.